Remember when I was talking about how my kids were being turds and picking on the SPED kids? Well yesterday they apologized. They apologized to the teacher and the kids. After it was said and done one kid said he felt clean. That wasn't what I was going for but it's a start.
The fire alarm went off today during 1st period. When it went off so did the air. It knocked the air out completely on my hall. It was so stinkin' hot. My kids and I lasted all of 5 minutes. We packed up and moved to cooler ground. We weren't going to make it, especially with 32 bodies in the room.
My 7th period had to learn a lesson in tolerance today. I don't understand why kids feel like they have to pick on SPED kids. There's a little girl in my 7th period who thinks everybody in that class is her best friend. The other kids normally do well with her but today they showed their irritation with her. I had her "sent" to the office so I could talk to the class about their behavior. Most of them adjusted their attitudes but there were 2 girls that just continued to be rude. They just did it where Susie (not her real name) couldn't hear. The bell rang before I could tell them what I really thought about them and their nasty attitudes. They'll have a major adjustment by the end of class Thursday.
Volleyball practice is kicking my butt! I think I'm more tired than the girls. Man! We have tough schedule this week but we'll do fine. They got that 1 win under their belt so they have a little extra confidence.
Have I mentioned the THREE DAY WEEKEND that's coming up? Well, there's a THREE DAY WEEKEND coming up. Who's excited? ME! I will not think about school. I will not grade papers. I will not do lesson plans. I WILL enjoy my THREE DAY WEEKEND.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
"There go Miss Pretty Griffin"
Over the weekend I ran into two of my kids' dad. I usually run from the parents when I see them in public because I want a few minutes to not think about school. Anyway, this parent snuck up on me. He called my name and I stopped to be cordial. He asked how his son was doing, blah, blah, blah. You know, the usual parent questions. This is how the end of the conversation went.
Parent: "When you pulled in I was like there go Miss Pretty Griffin."
Me: *uncomfortable laugh* *blank stare*
Parent: "I mean, that's what the kids say"
Me: "Yeah, I gotta go."
Parent: "If you have any problems out of my son let me know."
Me (walking away) "Yea, I got it."
I mean seriously? Who hits on their kids' teacher? That's just creepy...
Last week I received an email from a parent. Her son is one of my SPED kids and she just wanted to touch base with me. She was concerned because he has a SPED ruling but doesn't have a SPED or tutorial class. She wanted to try him out in a regular classroom because she felt like he could handle it and succeed with just a little help. She also wanted to see what he could do on his own. I love parents like that. They let their kids try first then if they can't they get them some help. I don't like the kids who use their SPED ruling as a crutch. That's so not fair for that child. Anyway, I had already talked to the kid, his basketball coach, and one of the SPED teachers about him and what extra help we could give him and we came up with a plan. Mom was happy with the plan and so was the kid. Well, apparently during this process they changed the kid's schedule and moved him out of my class. I didn't know it because I was using an old roster. Anyhoo, this upset him greatly as you can imagine. He decided to take matters into his own hands. He refused to go to the other English teacher's class. His momma had to call the school and ask that he be put back in my class. When she told me I smiled a little. It made me feel good knowing that he wanted to stay with me for whatever reason. All the other kids left with no argument. LOL. Seriously, this kid has latched on to me and his basketball coach. It's cool with me. Who knows what seed I'm supposed to sow into his life.
I got evaluated twice today. I'm like what the heck?! That's three evaluations in two school days. It's all good. I'm doing my job. My kids didn't feel like acting today during my evaluations. They were their normal selves. I mind but I don't. It makes for an interesting evaluation.
THREE DAY WEEKEND!!! That is all.
Parent: "When you pulled in I was like there go Miss Pretty Griffin."
Me: *uncomfortable laugh* *blank stare*
Parent: "I mean, that's what the kids say"
Me: "Yeah, I gotta go."
Parent: "If you have any problems out of my son let me know."
Me (walking away) "Yea, I got it."
I mean seriously? Who hits on their kids' teacher? That's just creepy...
Last week I received an email from a parent. Her son is one of my SPED kids and she just wanted to touch base with me. She was concerned because he has a SPED ruling but doesn't have a SPED or tutorial class. She wanted to try him out in a regular classroom because she felt like he could handle it and succeed with just a little help. She also wanted to see what he could do on his own. I love parents like that. They let their kids try first then if they can't they get them some help. I don't like the kids who use their SPED ruling as a crutch. That's so not fair for that child. Anyway, I had already talked to the kid, his basketball coach, and one of the SPED teachers about him and what extra help we could give him and we came up with a plan. Mom was happy with the plan and so was the kid. Well, apparently during this process they changed the kid's schedule and moved him out of my class. I didn't know it because I was using an old roster. Anyhoo, this upset him greatly as you can imagine. He decided to take matters into his own hands. He refused to go to the other English teacher's class. His momma had to call the school and ask that he be put back in my class. When she told me I smiled a little. It made me feel good knowing that he wanted to stay with me for whatever reason. All the other kids left with no argument. LOL. Seriously, this kid has latched on to me and his basketball coach. It's cool with me. Who knows what seed I'm supposed to sow into his life.
I got evaluated twice today. I'm like what the heck?! That's three evaluations in two school days. It's all good. I'm doing my job. My kids didn't feel like acting today during my evaluations. They were their normal selves. I mind but I don't. It makes for an interesting evaluation.
THREE DAY WEEKEND!!! That is all.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Pep Rally Day
Today was pep rally day and it actually went well. The kids behaved perfectly. We changed the format this year and I think the kids liked it. I did. The football team must have liked it too because they won their game tonight. Woop! Next pep rally a few of the other teachers as well as myself are supposed to do a cheer. We'll see how that goes... I have a feeling that lots of Bengay and Advil will be needed afterwards. LOL
My 5th period class had to learn a life lesson today. It was brought to my attention that they were making fun of the special ed kids that ate lunch at the tables close to my class. Apparently it had gotten so bad that the SPED kids didn't want to come eat lunch in the cafeteria. I was furious when I found out about this. When we got back to class I gave them a little talk. I explained to them that the majority of them had things wrong with them that would classify them for special ed, things like ADD, ADHD, any emotional problems, deafness in one or both ears, glasses, trouble reading and comprehending, but their parents felt they could succeed without the extra services. I went through the list and had them raise their hand if they had any of the things listed above. I also explained to them that gifted kids are considered SPED. Anything that's above or below the norm is SPED. Once I explained that to them they started to drop their heads. I asked them how would they feel if someone made fun of them for having acne, being fat, having short hair, stuttering, being too dark, being too white. At the end of the talk they were whispering amongst themselves and I overheard a few kids saying they felt bad. I asked one kid what he felt bad about and he said he felt bad for laughing at the jokes others were saying and for laughing at the SPED kids. Monday, my whole class will be apologizing to them during lunch. I told them if they didn't mean it then don't do it. I wouldn't be mad. I'd be more upset if they did it only because I said something about it. Hopefully, they've learned that you just can't go around making fun of people for things they can't help. Now if they have boogers or something like that then that's different. People can help boogers.
I got my first evaluation today. I think it went fairly well. My kids were good and they participated in the lesson. I don't know what the principal said yet but I'm sure it's good. I need my job so I'm gonna work hard! Shoot. I'm not an "ungrateful babysitter" who just "draws a paycheck." I actually enjoy what I do. I love being a teacher. I'd have to to keep doing it because it definitely ain't the pay. I just wish all the people who think negatively about teachers could just come sit in my class for part of the day. That'd show them half of what I go through. That won't include the contact with parents, the lesson plans, the grading of papers, the volleyball practices, the bus training, the football/basketball duties, the morning duties, professional developments, and various other trainings. All of that takes place AFTER school is out. So when all of you non teachers get off at 5 or 6 and forget about work, I'll be thinking of new and better ways to educate your child. Or I'll be at the football/basketball game cheering on your child while you sit at home. Or I'll be sitting at a professional development or a special training getting ideas on how to help your child. Or I'll be on the phone with you trying to get your support and help so I can effectively teach your child. From August to May we have joint custody of your child. Do your part to help and our children can be successful and reach their full potential. *gets off soapbox*
My 5th period class had to learn a life lesson today. It was brought to my attention that they were making fun of the special ed kids that ate lunch at the tables close to my class. Apparently it had gotten so bad that the SPED kids didn't want to come eat lunch in the cafeteria. I was furious when I found out about this. When we got back to class I gave them a little talk. I explained to them that the majority of them had things wrong with them that would classify them for special ed, things like ADD, ADHD, any emotional problems, deafness in one or both ears, glasses, trouble reading and comprehending, but their parents felt they could succeed without the extra services. I went through the list and had them raise their hand if they had any of the things listed above. I also explained to them that gifted kids are considered SPED. Anything that's above or below the norm is SPED. Once I explained that to them they started to drop their heads. I asked them how would they feel if someone made fun of them for having acne, being fat, having short hair, stuttering, being too dark, being too white. At the end of the talk they were whispering amongst themselves and I overheard a few kids saying they felt bad. I asked one kid what he felt bad about and he said he felt bad for laughing at the jokes others were saying and for laughing at the SPED kids. Monday, my whole class will be apologizing to them during lunch. I told them if they didn't mean it then don't do it. I wouldn't be mad. I'd be more upset if they did it only because I said something about it. Hopefully, they've learned that you just can't go around making fun of people for things they can't help. Now if they have boogers or something like that then that's different. People can help boogers.
I got my first evaluation today. I think it went fairly well. My kids were good and they participated in the lesson. I don't know what the principal said yet but I'm sure it's good. I need my job so I'm gonna work hard! Shoot. I'm not an "ungrateful babysitter" who just "draws a paycheck." I actually enjoy what I do. I love being a teacher. I'd have to to keep doing it because it definitely ain't the pay. I just wish all the people who think negatively about teachers could just come sit in my class for part of the day. That'd show them half of what I go through. That won't include the contact with parents, the lesson plans, the grading of papers, the volleyball practices, the bus training, the football/basketball duties, the morning duties, professional developments, and various other trainings. All of that takes place AFTER school is out. So when all of you non teachers get off at 5 or 6 and forget about work, I'll be thinking of new and better ways to educate your child. Or I'll be at the football/basketball game cheering on your child while you sit at home. Or I'll be sitting at a professional development or a special training getting ideas on how to help your child. Or I'll be on the phone with you trying to get your support and help so I can effectively teach your child. From August to May we have joint custody of your child. Do your part to help and our children can be successful and reach their full potential. *gets off soapbox*
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Deep Doo-Doo
As you all know I was absent from school on Monday and Tuesday. I left strict instructions for my kids to behave themselves and to act like they had some freakin' sense. Did they do that? NOOOOOOOOOOOO. They decided to act like they were raised by wild polar bears. Naturally I was upset with them for acting like that. They already knew that I was going to blow a gasket when I got back so they sucked up yesterday and today. It didn't save them. By the end of each class, except my repeater class, all the kids had apologized and promised they'd do better. I believe most of them. The rest... They're going to have to show me. My 3rd period was the funniest. They came in trying to explain what happened. They were honest about everything that happened. I mean they told EVERYTHING. That's why I like that group of kids. They didn't want me mad or disappointed in them so they did what they knew to fix it. It worked:) I think I'm getting soft...
I had to break down and write some of my 9th grade pookies some detentions yesterday and today. It hurt my heart. Ok, not really. They were so shocked that I gave them the detention. One kid made the comment that he always gets away with what he wants. I told him that didn't work in Room 300. He begged me to take the detentions away. It didn't work. Hopefully he has learned his lesson and will be quiet tomorrow.
One of my repeaters was very talkative today. Usually he sits in the back of the room and sleeps. Today he wanted to sit by my desk so he could talk to me. I'll never deny a child a chance to talk to me, especially if it's a child who never talks. So I let him sit at the table closest to my desk once I got everybody else started on their assignments. He told me a lot about him without saying much. It was almost like he wanted to tell me something but he didn't want to just spill it. He'd pause periodically to make sure I was keeping up with what he was trying to tell me. I now understand why he is the way he is. No one has ever challenged him to do better nor has anyone ever told him he could do better. After our conversation, he went back to his seat but he did something different. He did his work instead of sleeping. That made me happy.
Tomorrow is pep rally day. Everybody please pray for us! I mean get on your face and pray. LOL. It's not that bad but I do need make sure I get plenty of rest and eat a good breakfast so I'll have some energy. Good night!
I had to break down and write some of my 9th grade pookies some detentions yesterday and today. It hurt my heart. Ok, not really. They were so shocked that I gave them the detention. One kid made the comment that he always gets away with what he wants. I told him that didn't work in Room 300. He begged me to take the detentions away. It didn't work. Hopefully he has learned his lesson and will be quiet tomorrow.
One of my repeaters was very talkative today. Usually he sits in the back of the room and sleeps. Today he wanted to sit by my desk so he could talk to me. I'll never deny a child a chance to talk to me, especially if it's a child who never talks. So I let him sit at the table closest to my desk once I got everybody else started on their assignments. He told me a lot about him without saying much. It was almost like he wanted to tell me something but he didn't want to just spill it. He'd pause periodically to make sure I was keeping up with what he was trying to tell me. I now understand why he is the way he is. No one has ever challenged him to do better nor has anyone ever told him he could do better. After our conversation, he went back to his seat but he did something different. He did his work instead of sleeping. That made me happy.
Tomorrow is pep rally day. Everybody please pray for us! I mean get on your face and pray. LOL. It's not that bad but I do need make sure I get plenty of rest and eat a good breakfast so I'll have some energy. Good night!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
We got spirit yes we do! We got spirit how 'bout you?
This picture reminded me of my volleyball girls. The team hasn't been good in several years. If I'm not mistaken, they haven't won a game in about 8 or so years. They didn't let that keep them from trying. They fought with the tenacity of a bulldog and worked hard all summer. They've sweated, passed out, ran til they threw up, bumped, set, and spiked. They've practiced hard. Tonight it all paid off. They won their 1st game 3 games to none. They were so excited! I'm so proud of my girls because I know they've worked hard and wanted it so bad. I won't even comment on the rest the day. I'll save it for tomorrow.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
La-a
Today, during our Language Arts work session, the topic of names came up. As most you know there are some pretty interesting names out there. The name above is pronounced La-dash-a. The dash is not silent. I'm sure a lot of you have seen that email that went around about that. That's just too much. Parents-to-be, please be careful what you name your children because they are labeled according to their name. I know y'all want to be unique and give them a name that no one else has but naming them something with 6 syllables with a Q, U, Z, a -La, or -iqua and 2 or 3 vowels is doing the most. I can imagine how those poor preschool and kindergarten teachers feel trying to help the kids learn how to write their names. I'm glad we have access to our rosters early so I can practice the pronunciations of my kids' names. They're real sensitive when you mispronounce their names. I've given so many of my kids nicknames this year because I can't say their names. That's just too much.
I really enjoyed going to this Language Arts thing because I got to do some planning with the 8th grade teachers at the middle school and the 2 other 9th grade English teachers in the district. I also got to swap stories, get important information on the kids I have now, and basically fellowship with people who are on the same page as I am. That was cool.
Tomorrow I'm going back to my classroom. For the sake of my kids I hope there's a nice, happy note on my desk instead of a bad one. I snuck back to my room yesterday to see what they were doing and they were so freakin' loud! I went in the room and asked them what their problems were. The sub apparently thought this was acceptable behavior because she wasn't saying a word. I was a tad bit upset. So tomorrow 7th period will definitely be punished. They know better than to act like that.
As always click on some ads and donate/adopt my classroom! Oh yeah! Come support the volleyball team tomorrow as we play our 1st district game at home. Games start at 5.
I really enjoyed going to this Language Arts thing because I got to do some planning with the 8th grade teachers at the middle school and the 2 other 9th grade English teachers in the district. I also got to swap stories, get important information on the kids I have now, and basically fellowship with people who are on the same page as I am. That was cool.
Tomorrow I'm going back to my classroom. For the sake of my kids I hope there's a nice, happy note on my desk instead of a bad one. I snuck back to my room yesterday to see what they were doing and they were so freakin' loud! I went in the room and asked them what their problems were. The sub apparently thought this was acceptable behavior because she wasn't saying a word. I was a tad bit upset. So tomorrow 7th period will definitely be punished. They know better than to act like that.
As always click on some ads and donate/adopt my classroom! Oh yeah! Come support the volleyball team tomorrow as we play our 1st district game at home. Games start at 5.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Teamwork on three!
We had our 1st volleyball game today and my girls played well. We lost the match 3-1 but they didn't give up easy. They fought hard and for that I'm proud. If you saw us play last year you would have been proud too. LOL. They look so much better. I'm looking forward to this season! We have our 1st district game Wednesday so if you're free Wednesday at 5, come cheer us on!
I didn't go to school today because I was in a meeting with a Central Office person. I forgot her title. Anyway, we had to work on the Language Arts Framework and fix it up to where it was a little easier to get the information needed to teach English. I had no idea some of that stuff was even on there. Of course I've read it but like I said a lot of that stuff was difficult to find or was unclear. It's gonna be nice to have everything in one place.
While at the meeting, I had the chance to meet some of the other English and reading teachrs in the district. We were grouped according to grade and subject so I was with the 9th grade teachers (duh). One of them was telling us about the day she went over compound nouns. One of her kids told her director was a compound noun. The teacher was trying to explain to the student that it wasn't. The student argued with her saying that it was 2 words. Y'all ready for this? DIRECT-OR. LOL!!! She was right when she said it was 2 words but a compound noun is 2 or more NOUNS. Poor thing... When the teacher told me I couldn't even laugh. I just wanted to go find that child and give her a hug.
That's it for today. I'm tired. The gym we played in today didn't have a lick of air conditioning. Yes I said a lick of. It was cooler outside. I have never sweated so hard standing still. I drank 3 bottles of water by the second game. My girls went through a case of water and a case of Gatorade. It was ridiculously hot. They ought to be ashamed making those girls suffer like that. Dern gym had its own heat advisory going on. LOL.
It was HOT! Ok, I'm leaving for real now. Remember to click on some ads and adopt my class!
I didn't go to school today because I was in a meeting with a Central Office person. I forgot her title. Anyway, we had to work on the Language Arts Framework and fix it up to where it was a little easier to get the information needed to teach English. I had no idea some of that stuff was even on there. Of course I've read it but like I said a lot of that stuff was difficult to find or was unclear. It's gonna be nice to have everything in one place.
While at the meeting, I had the chance to meet some of the other English and reading teachrs in the district. We were grouped according to grade and subject so I was with the 9th grade teachers (duh). One of them was telling us about the day she went over compound nouns. One of her kids told her director was a compound noun. The teacher was trying to explain to the student that it wasn't. The student argued with her saying that it was 2 words. Y'all ready for this? DIRECT-OR. LOL!!! She was right when she said it was 2 words but a compound noun is 2 or more NOUNS. Poor thing... When the teacher told me I couldn't even laugh. I just wanted to go find that child and give her a hug.
That's it for today. I'm tired. The gym we played in today didn't have a lick of air conditioning. Yes I said a lick of. It was cooler outside. I have never sweated so hard standing still. I drank 3 bottles of water by the second game. My girls went through a case of water and a case of Gatorade. It was ridiculously hot. They ought to be ashamed making those girls suffer like that. Dern gym had its own heat advisory going on. LOL.
It was HOT! Ok, I'm leaving for real now. Remember to click on some ads and adopt my class!
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